1. What is Watts to BTU Conversion?

The Watts to BTU conversion is used to convert power measurements between the metric system (watts) and the imperial system (British Thermal Units per hour). This is particularly useful in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Power in BTU per hour
• \( W \) — Power in watts
• 3.412142 — Conversion factor (exact value)

Explanation: 1 watt is equal to exactly 3.412142 BTU per hour. This conversion factor is derived from the definition of BTU and watt.

3. Importance of Power Conversion

Details: Accurate power conversion is essential for HVAC system design, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing equipment specifications that use different measurement systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts (must be a positive number). The calculator will instantly provide the equivalent in BTU per hour.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert watts to BTU/hr?
A: Many heating and cooling systems in the US are rated in BTU/hr, while electrical components are rated in watts. Conversion allows for system compatibility analysis.

Q2: Is the conversion factor exact?
A: Yes, 3.412142 is an exact conversion factor based on the definitions of watt and BTU.

Q3: Can I convert BTU/hr back to watts?
A: Yes, divide BTU/hr by 3.412142 to get watts.

Q4: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/hr measures power (energy per unit time).

Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, though real-world measurements may have instrument inaccuracies.